Boise, Idaho, revisits downtown streetcar idea

Plans for a streetcar circulator in Boise, Idaho's capital, have been revived after six years of dormancy, though modal choice is now up for grabs.

Boise Mayor David Bieter and members of the City Council seek to to solicit ideas and answer questions and concerns, according to city spokesman Vince Trimboli.

"This time around, the city wants to hear the public's ideas first. Which is the right route? What kind of vehicle—bus, streetcar, trolley, etc.— would work best?" Trimboli told local media.

Boise residents and others interested are invited to an Open House at City Hall on Wednesday evening, Jan. 29, 2014. The city hopes to form a steering committee of business people, academics, planning experts and other stakeholders following the meeting.

The Federal Transit Administration already has awarded the a $375,000 grant to study alternatives for improving public transportation within the city's downtown. Boise and its urban renewal agency, Capital City Development Corp., are adding $125,000 in funding to aid the study. Trimboli said, to be conducted by San Francisco-based URS Corp.